2000 Forester L - leaky head gasket

[gary.weston]

I have a 2000 Forester L with just about 120,000 miles on it. I took
the Subi into my local shop and was informed that the head gasket was
leaking.

Makes sense to me.. as I noticed my coolant reservoir was running low
about a month ago. I added some antifreeze to level it out.

Apparently not a serious leak, but cold weather is coming on, so it
will likely get worse.

I was quoted $1,400 for materials and labor to fix the gasket and
replace the belts. This sound fair?

The mechanic mentioned he did the same work on an Outback not too long
before. Seems to be an issues with Subi's.

Any tips, advice?

BTW, this is my wife's car for local errands.. no longer using it to
commute. So it sees low mileage.

Appreciated,
G

 

[Edward Hayes]

Has your car had the "coolant conditioner" installed? If so then any
HG weepage is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. If the HG is only
weeping and the coolant conditioner has not been installed then put
the conditioner in. The conditioner probably will stop any weepage and
not require a HG replacement.

 

[daszkiew2000]

Has your car had the "coolant conditioner" installed? If so then any
HG weepage is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles. If the HG is only
weeping and the coolant conditioner has not been installed then put
the conditioner in. The conditioner probably will stop any weepage and
not require a HG replacement.

ed, the car has " just 120 000 miles" on it
best
kd

 

[Edward Hayes]

My suggestion stands if the HG is weeping and the conditioner has not
been installed.

 

[Funkadyleik Spynwhanker]

My suggestion stands if the HG is weeping and the conditioner has not been
installed.

Any more details on what the conditioner is, where it comes from and how
much?

I know the dealer has it, but I don't like them and would prefer the option
to add it after a radiator flush myself.

 

[gary.weston]

My suggestion stands if the HG is weeping and the conditioner has not
been installed.

I may be due for conditioner. I'll pick up a bottle at my local Subie
dealership and toss it in. Then cross fingers.

 

[strchild]

I bought some of that stuff to end my own curiosity. It's just some
re-branded stop-leak that comes in a very cute, little, blue Subaru bottle.
Not sure the original brand though. It says to remove an amount of fluid
from the radiator equal to the amount in the bottle, pour in, and voila,
that's all. I believe it was 4.5 ounces, but I can't recall as I threw the
bottle away.

~Brian

 

[Edward Hayes]

The conditioner is made by HOTE in England and is a highly respected
company. The conditioner is much finer grain than our Barr's etc local
stuff. It will not clog cooling passages in small tube radiators if
used as directed. I think I paid $2.50 for the small 250ml blue
container.

 

[bj]

another head gasket leak? Thats hard to believe...it almost never
happens to subies..as a matter of fact i've never heard it happening
to the outback or legacy . Its always somethng else..stuck
thernostat,you probably allowed it to overheat..maybe it was the
waterpump

You must be part of that secret plot on the net that keeps making up
these stories about blown subaru head gaskets

 

[gary.weston]

Heheh sounds like sarcasm to me

My local mechanic (not a Subie dealership mechanic) said he's worked on
a number of Subie head gaskets. Outback and Legacy. I think this is his
first Forester though.

Its an alien conspiracy! Thats it!

-G